Long Sutton 2nd (178-8) beat Sandringham 1st (177-7) by 1 run
Sutton’s second string began a tough campaign with a thrilling friendly encounter against Sandringham on Saturday.
Under the new-look captaincy pairing of Rob Simpson and Ian Morris, South Lincs and Border League side Sutton were put into bat on a good-looking track.
Openers Andy Wright and son Jimmy looked steady against the Sandringham openers before Jimmy (9) fell bowled to an excellent delivery.
Danny Sisson joined Andy Wright at the crease and once in, increased the scoring rate as both players began to look fluent.
Both fell in quick succession for 33, before Jimmy Harrison (5) and Gary Burton (0) followed suit as the hosts looked to seize the initiative.
However, a conservative yet solid stand between Luke Lovegrove (35) and Adam Wright (19) propelled Sutton towards a competitive total.
Some late toddler runs from youngster Dan Oldfield (16) moved them to 178-8 from their 40 overs.
In reply, Sandringham began aggressively with opener Marcus Ringwood taking the attack to the bowlers. Gary Burton did pick up the wicket of the other opener with a smart caught and bowled.
Ringwood continued to score quickly, but Jake Burton (1-17) starved him of the strike as he built the pressure at the other end.
Jimmy Wright (2-39) then removed the dangerous Ringwood (42) as Sutton gained control. Ian Morris (2-36) attempted to stall the home side, but runs continued to come to set up a tense finish. With nine needed off the last over, Gary Burton (2-18) bowled a tight over to leave Sandringham a solitary run short of the total.
Long Sutton Sun 2nd (158-9) lost to Heckington Sunday 1st XI (160-7) by 3 wickets
Lack of runs cost Sutton’s premier Sunday side a win in the first game of the season at Paradise Field on Sunday.
New Sunday skipper Matt Bull lost the toss and, as expected, Sutton were inserted on an even looking pitch. Phil Barnes and Phil Coote started slowly against some tight bowling, but set a solid enough platform for the power hitters below them in the order.
Barnes eventually fell for 30, as he looked to increase the pace, while Aaron John (1), Jamie Taylor (5) and Steve Skoulding (7) didn’t last long as Sutton looked like they would fall well short of par.
Paul Edgeller (22) played in his usual manner but when he, captain Bull (0) and Coote (49) departed, Sutton needed some fireworks.
Barry Stanway (15) and Alex Canham (10 not out) did their best in moving Sutton to 158-9 from their allocation.
In reply, Heckington started strongly against Stanway and Edgeller. Jake Burton and Bull were introduced into the attack to find the wickets – and both delivered.
Burton picked up three quick wickets with his spin was well supported by Bull, who rolled back the years with some effective swing bowling. Burton (4-40) and Bull (3-36) looked to have won the game, but some powerful lower order hitting guided Heckington home with two overs to spare.
